NZFSS Forumshttp://freshwater.science.org.nz/index.php/forums/
NZFSS ForumsenCopyright 20172017-11-01T20:38:07+12:00Jobs &amp; Studentshipshttp://freshwater.science.org.nz/index.php/forums/viewthread/52/
http://freshwater.science.org.nz/index.php/forums/viewthread/52/#When:15:48:34Z<p><b>Members may freely post freshwater science related jobs and studentships in this thread - select “Post Reply” and insert text and add attachments as required. NZFSS Members who have subscribed to the thread will receive automatic email notification of your listing. <i>Members are encouraged to delete postings once positions are closed</i></b></p>
<p><b>For new users</b>, click “forgot password” on the forum home page.&nbsp; This will allow you to request an initial password which will let you log in.
</p>2016-05-16T15:48:34+12:00Environmental Analyst - Water Quality - Gisborne District Councilhttp://freshwater.science.org.nz/index.php/forums/viewthread/63/
http://freshwater.science.org.nz/index.php/forums/viewthread/63/#When:11:06:39Z<p>Environmental Analyst - Water Quality <br />
Job Description <br />
Do you have a passion for freshwater? <br />
Do you enjoy a balance of office and field work?<br />
Do you want to join a motivated team in sunny Gisborne? <br />
<br />
An exciting opportunity exists to join the Environmental Services Team, working to contribute to the sustainable management of water resources in our region. This role will implement and undertake water quality sampling programs, data management and undertake water quality data analytics.<br />
<br />
You will need at least 3 years technical work experience in water quality, environmental data collection and analysis, and be able to demonstrate competence with computer systems and data management. You will preferably have a relevant degree, be capable of working autonomously, and have good communication skills and an ability to build key relationships.<br />
<br />
Applicants will be highly motivated team players who are passionate about what they do, well organised and committed to providing excellent service and quality results.<br />
<br />
Please contact Peter Hancock for further information.<br />
<br />
Applications Close: 10am, Monday 10 July 2017.<br />
Job Location <br />
Gisborne, Gisborne District (Tūranga nui a Kiwa), New Zealand </p>
<p><a href="https://gdcgovt-openhire.silkroad.com/epostings/index.cfm?fuseaction=app.jobinfo&amp;id=23&amp;jobid=75&amp;company_id=30141&amp;version=1&amp;source=ONLINE&amp;JobOwner=992276&amp;level=levelid2&amp;levelid2=36394&amp;startflag=3">https://gdcgovt-openhire.silkroad.com/epostings/index.cfm?fuseaction=app.jobinfo&amp;id=23&amp;jobid=75&amp;company_id=30141&amp;version=1&amp;source=ONLINE&amp;JobOwner=992276&amp;level=levelid2&amp;levelid2=36394&amp;startflag=3</a>
</p>2017-06-23T11:06:39+12:00Vacancy: Water Quality Specialist, Streamlined Environmental, Hamiltonhttp://freshwater.science.org.nz/index.php/forums/viewthread/62/
http://freshwater.science.org.nz/index.php/forums/viewthread/62/#When:07:20:37Z<p><span style="font-size:16px;">About the business and the role</span></p>
<p>Streamlined Environmental Ltd is a niche environmental science consultancy specializing in research and advice on all aspects of fresh, estuarine and coastal waters throughout New Zealand. Our workload is growing rapidly and we require an additional science consultant to support that growth and assist in expanding the range of services we offer from our Hamilton base.</p>
<p>The successful applicant will be part of a team of 5 other environmental science consultants. He/she will have specialist knowledge and experience on the fate and transport of contaminants (nutrients, sediment, pathogens, and sediment) from land to both freshwater and estuarine environments. He/she will be part of a team on some projects and lead others.</p>
<p>The science consultant also needs to have an understanding of resource management issues and how scientific advice can be applied to policy and planning, through the application of the RMA (and there relevant regulatory mechanisms). Quantitative skills and experience in the use of simulation models to address environmental management issue will be highly regarded. </p>
<p><span style="font-size:16px;">Job tasks and responsibilities</span></p>
<p>- Support other environmental science consultants on projects.<br />
- Lead desktop and field-based projects (as required), including all aspects of project management and delivery.<br />
- Generate new work in unique areas that add value to the company, by identifying potential work streams and<br />
&nbsp; developing appropriate business development strategies (in conjunction with other personnel).<br />
- Develop their own client base, with support from other personnel. </p>
<p><span style="font-size:16px;">Skills and experience</span></p>
<p>This permanent position would suit a person who has a qualification and/or experience in water quality and/or hydrology and who has at least 5 years relevant experience. </p>
<p>A post-graduate qualification (e.g. MSc or PhD) in a relevant discipline is required, along with a full driver’s licence.</p>
<p>Prior experience working in a consulting, regional council, or research environment; experience with developing and/or using simulation models. </p>
<p><span style="font-size:16px;">How to apply for this position:</span></p>
<p>Please address the competencies and attributes identified in the position description (<a href="http://www.streamlined.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Position-description_water-quality-specialist-2016.pdf">http://www.streamlined.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Position-description_water-quality-specialist-2016.pdf</a>) and include your experience and skills in these specific areas in your curriculum vitae. Include referees who can be contacted by telephone or email. Written references are unnecessary.</p>
<p>Please email a curriculum vitae and cover letter to jim at streamlined dot co dot nz.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:16px;">Applications close</span>: 18 December 2016</p>
<p><span style="font-size:16px;">Further information</span></p>
<p>Enquiries to jim at streamlined dot co dot nz or one of the other Directors named on our website (<a href="http://www.streamlined.co.nz/about-us-streamlined-environmental/">http://www.streamlined.co.nz/about-us-streamlined-environmental/</a>).
</p>2016-11-23T07:20:37+12:00Research Associate – Water Quality and Biomonitoringhttp://freshwater.science.org.nz/index.php/forums/viewthread/61/
http://freshwater.science.org.nz/index.php/forums/viewthread/61/#When:14:25:34Z<p><b>Applications are being sought for the following</b></p>
<p><b>Research Associate – Water Quality and Biomonitoring - Horizons Regional Council</b></p>
<p>Do you want to be a part of a science team answering the tough questions in freshwater management?<br />
Following a recent promotion within the science and innovation team, we are now seeking a Research Associate to work alongside a team of scientists to collect, collate and manage data that underpins the management of natural resources across our large and diverse region. Beyond the usual state of the environment monitoring and reporting, you will be contributing to cutting-edge regional and national research programmes to better understand the Region’s water resources.<br />
Skills and experience in freshwater biological monitoring, data management, and analysis are essential, as is an ability to communicate scientific information in an engaging and informative way.&nbsp; Suitable candidates should hold a Bachelor of Science or similar degree and preferably a post-graduate qualification in a relevant natural science. Candidates with knowledge of freshwater ecology, environmental management or chemistry, are preferred; previous experience in the monitoring of aquatic ecosystems will be viewed favourably.<br />
Based in Palmerston North, this permanent position will have you out and about throughout our region collecting and processing our water quality and biomonitoring data, and assisting the science team in delivering our wider monitoring and research programme.&nbsp; If you enjoy working outdoors in all types of weather, are adept at identifying ways to improve efficiencies in data collection/capture, and enjoy being part of a young and dynamic team - this may be the role for you.<br />
Applications close 8pm Sunday 16 October 2016.<br />
Sound like what you are looking for?<br />
For information on this position, including a job description and application form, please go to &nbsp; <a href="http://www.horizons.govt.nz/careers/job-vacancies/research-associate">http://www.horizons.govt.nz/careers/job-vacancies/research-associate</a>&nbsp; or contact our Customer Services Team on freephone 0508 800 800.<br />
All applications must be accompanied by a completed “Application for Employment” form.
</p>2016-09-30T14:25:34+12:00Funding opportunityhttp://freshwater.science.org.nz/index.php/forums/viewthread/60/
http://freshwater.science.org.nz/index.php/forums/viewthread/60/#When:17:37:41Z<p>Dear All</p>
<p>Attached is information about the Conservation Management Units Research and Data Deficient Species Survey funding opportunities for the 2016-17 financial year. Attached are the application forms, and a sample of the “Government Lite” contract form which we intend to use for simple external contracts, typically under $20,000. The two funds are now being administered together by the same group, as both have the aim of increasing information to allow accurate listings in the New Zealand Threat Classification System.</p>
<p>Applications to both funds close on 20 October. $50k is available this year in total. </p>
<p>Don’t hesitate to contact Rod or myself for more information or for help in preparing proposals. Please feel free to distribute to anyone else who may be interested.</p>
<p>Regards</p>
<p>Sjaan &amp; Rod<br />
&nbsp; <br />
Rod Hitchmough (rhitchmough at doc dot govt dot nz; +64 4 471 3249) | Sjaan Bowie (sjaanbowie at doc dot govt dot nz; 03 3713733) (Dear All</p>
<p>Attached is information about the Conservation Management Units Research and Data Deficient Species Survey funding opportunities for the 2016-17 financial year. Attached are the application forms, and a sample of the “Government Lite” contract form which we intend to use for simple external contracts, typically under $20,000. The two funds are now being administered together by the same group, as both have the aim of increasing information to allow accurate listings in the New Zealand Threat Classification System.</p>
<p>Applications to both funds close on 20 October. $50k is available this year in total. </p>
<p>Don’t hesitate to contact Rod or myself for more information or for help in preparing proposals. Please feel free to distribute to anyone else who may be interested.</p>
<p>Regards</p>
<p>Rod &amp; Sjaan<br />
&nbsp; <br />
Rod Hitchmough (rhitchmough at doc dot govt dot nz; +64 4 471 3249)<br />
Sjaan Bowie (sjaanbowie at doc dot govt dot nz; 03 3713733) (Normal office hours - Monday, Tuesday &amp; Wednesday)<br />
Department of Conservation <a href="http://www.doc.govt.nz">http://www.doc.govt.nz</a>
</p>2016-09-21T17:37:41+12:00Vacancy: Ecologist, Kessels Ecology, Hamiltonhttp://freshwater.science.org.nz/index.php/forums/viewthread/59/
http://freshwater.science.org.nz/index.php/forums/viewthread/59/#When:11:45:11Z<p><span style="font-size:14px;">Who we are:</span><br />
Kessels Ecology is a Waikato-based, specialist ecological consultancy, seeking an Ecologist. We work with private, rural, local and central government, and commercial clients, preparing high-quality ecological assessments, management plans, as well as ecological restoration design and implementation plans. We need a special person who can help us fulfil our mantra:<br />
<br />
“Providing innovative solutions for ecological effects assessment, policy, monitoring, mitigation and restoration founded on experience, trust and integrity.”</p>
<p>The work is wide ranging and includes aquatic field surveys, conducting fish recoveries prior to earthworks, developing restoration management plans and assessing effects of new developments.&nbsp; The Ecologist will be expected to conduct field surveys and prepare reports involving complex assessments, often involving a number of stakeholders.</p>
<p>The position holder will be responsible for consultancy on a broad range of ecological assessments with an emphasis on stream ecology.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14px;">You will be:</span><br />
-A versatile self-starter who can work independently<br />
-Able to interact with people from all walks of life and cultures<br />
-Able to maintain and expand our excellent relationships with clients, stakeholders and landowners alike.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14px;">You will have:</span><br />
-A minimum of a Master’s degree in Ecology or related field, preferably with New Zealand field experience<br />
-Outstanding communication skills – both written and verbal<br />
-A clean NZ driver’s licence<br />
-Physical fitness and a willingness to work in the field away from home and unsupervised.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14px;">Ideally you will also possess the following skills:</span><br />
-Experience and capability using GIS – ArcGIS and/or QGIS<br />
-Experience and capability surveying and identifying aquatic macroinvertebrates and fish using national standard methods<br />
-Willingness to undertake other ecological surveys/studies as required other than those related to aquatic ecology<br />
-Statistical analysis.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14px;">In return, we can offer:</span><br />
-An excellent remuneration package (salary negotiable based on experience and skills)<br />
-Regular training and conference attendance<br />
-Experienced network of staff and associates to call upon<br />
-Excellent office facilities and field equipment<br />
-The opportunity to be part of a close-knit team involved in projects where you can make a difference.</p>
<p>This position is ideally for a full time, 12 month contract.&nbsp; However, terms are negotiable. Applications are welcome from candidates who are interested in job share or part-time opportunities.</p>
<p>For further information and to apply contact Gerry Kessels: email gerry at kessels-ecology dot co dot nz&nbsp; or phone DD 07 981 1173.</p>
<p>Applications close: Friday 2 September 2016.
</p>2016-08-12T11:45:11+12:00Restructuring of “Our Changing World” and other science programming at Radio NZhttp://freshwater.science.org.nz/index.php/forums/viewthread/55/
http://freshwater.science.org.nz/index.php/forums/viewthread/55/#When:16:03:13Z<p><b>From John Barr (Head of Communications), RadioNZ</b></p>
<blockquote><p>Thank you for your recent communication with RNZ about proposed changes to the way we produce and broadcast Spoken Features content.&nbsp; We do appreciate comments and feedback from our audiences and the sector groups who take a close interest in the programming we provide, not only on traditional radio networks, but also across our multi-media platforms. </p>
<p>I am pleased to be able to give you an up-date on progress as we develop a fresh approach to commissioning and producing feature material for podcasting, publishing and broadcasting.&nbsp; <br />
I’m sure you will appreciate that it was not appropriate to share the review proposals or our future planning until we had completed full discussions and a consultation about those proposals with our staff.&nbsp; Our teams have already generated a host of new ideas which we are looking forward to exploring and developing.&nbsp; While many of the finer details are still being worked on, we have made some decisions which we believe will sharpen our story-telling and make it more engaging, relevant and accessible within the cost constraints of RNZ’s fixed funding.&nbsp; </p>
<p>I’d like to share our thinking with you. </p>
<p>A New RNZ Podcast Unit<br />
We are delighted to announce that a new RNZ podcast unit is to be established in July headed up by multi-award winning journalist Tim Watkin, formerly executive producer of The Nation, deputy editor of the Listener and winner of the prestigious Wolfson prize for journalism. Tim is absolutely passionate about RNZ and the role it can play in telling great stories and he will be engaging with the RNZ team, using their audio expertise to make this happen.&nbsp; The unit’s goal is to create multi-media story-telling, which draws on commissioned and in-house podcasting and radio skills to build the best audio, visual, and written content around fiction, non-fiction, topical current affairs and social issues.&nbsp; </p>
<p>The unit will call on the expertise of the wider RNZ team and we expect this to result in our best-known presenters and journalists also playing a role in the creation of material which works online and on-air.&nbsp; The new unit begins operation in mid-July but it will, naturally, take some time for the first podcast material to be generated.&nbsp; We know from responses to research that there is a growing appetite for podcasts which can be downloaded and consumed whenever people choose to access them and we feel our proposed initiatives will allow us to reach a far more diverse audience than is currently the case.&nbsp; </p>
<p>We believe we have the skills and expertise to emulate the success of podcasting produced by quality broadcasters like NPR and the BBC.&nbsp; We want to give New Zealand’s culture a voice and want this content to reflect our country’s stories.</p>
<p>Programme Changes<br />
The proposal will mean some existing programmes change or cease to exist in their current format.&nbsp; This does not mean RNZ will stop covering the subject material – it’s just that we will be telling the stories in a different way. </p>
<p>Science<br />
RNZ will continue to explore a wide range of science and environmental topics as it has in the past through multiple programmes across the schedule including Saturday Morning with Kim Hill, Sunday Morning with Wallace Chapman, Nights with Bryan Crump, This Way Up, and Our Changing World. <br />
<br />
In addition to our own live radio programming, New Zealanders continue to be well served by broadcasts of international material from the BBC and others, RNZ News, our online content and an extensive archive of relevant science based stories.&nbsp; It is an archive that deserves much greater exposure than it currently receives and our intention is to ensure it is being cleverly and regularly mined for material to be used on-air and online. </p>
<p>For now, as new concepts evolve and podcast initiatives are developed, the Our Changing World programme will continue to be produced each week - albeit in a revised form.&nbsp; We will be broadening our reach by inviting external partners, contractors and subject experts to come and help make content with us.&nbsp; For example if we decide to make a series focussed on the rise of genetics in science and medicine, we will look to collaborate with experts in this area.&nbsp; <br />
An important element of this change is ensuring that the material is flexible and topical enough to work on both digital and radio platforms.</p>
<p>With the new approach to production we are looking to refresh the way in which we write and stage our output with a closer working relationship between radio and digital giving greater reach and accessibility to all science based content – and just as important – giving us the ability to deliver that content to new audiences in the way they prefer to receive it.&nbsp; </p>
<p>The establishment of a dedicated podcast unit to enhance the delivery of feature content is a significant step forward in multi-media for RNZ.&nbsp; &nbsp; By drawing on commissioned and in-house expertise we have the potential to build the very best audio, visual and written content around fiction, non-fiction, topical current affairs and social issues.&nbsp; </p>
<p>Please be assured that, as we develop this fresh approach to commissioning and producing feature material for podcasting, publishing and broadcasting, our commitment to the values of public service broadcasting remain as strong as ever.&nbsp; <br />
We will need to balance the reinvigoration of our story-telling against the constraints of restricted funding but we are absolutely committed to delivering high-quality coverage of issues that are of specific interest to our diverse audiences. </p>
<p>Thank you again for your interest and for taking the time to contact us, I do hope you will continue to enjoy the programming offered by RNZ on air and online.&nbsp; </p>
<p>Kind regards</p>
<p>John Barr</p>
<p>John Barr <br />
Head of Communications </p></blockquote>2016-06-11T16:03:13+12:00International Society of Limnology (SIL) award winner - Jay Piggotthttp://freshwater.science.org.nz/index.php/forums/viewthread/51/
http://freshwater.science.org.nz/index.php/forums/viewthread/51/#When:07:31:37Z<p>Jay Piggott has won the International Society of Limnology (SIL) inaugural “best paper” award for students or early career scientists. His paper was selected by 9 international judges as the best of the papers entered from 19 different countries.&nbsp; The paper is:</p>
<p>Piggott JJ, Salis RK, Lear G, Townsend CR, Matthaei CD. (2015). Climate warming and agricultural stressors interact to determine stream periphyton community composition. Global Change Biology 2: 206–222.</p>
<p>Congratulations to Jay!</p>
<p><br />
David Hamilton</p>
<p>NZ Representative for the International Society of Limnology (SIL)<br />
<a href="http://www.limnology.org/">http://www.limnology.org/</a></p>
<p>Senior Associate Editor - Inland Waters - Journal of the International Society of Limnology<br />
<a href="http://limnology.org/publications/inland-waters/">http://limnology.org/publications/inland-waters/</a></p>
<p>SIL Congress: Torino, Italy, 31 July to 5 August 2016<br />
<a href="http://www.sil2016.it/">http://www.sil2016.it/</a>
</p>2016-03-21T07:31:37+12:00NZFSS NOF Review - Going Forwardhttp://freshwater.science.org.nz/index.php/forums/viewthread/50/
http://freshwater.science.org.nz/index.php/forums/viewthread/50/#When:10:24:47Z<p>There has been some discussion within the Exec and among those who have expressed an interest in helping write our NOF review about the process that should be taken.</p>
<p>All argued strongly in favour of <b>not joining the Land and Water Forum</b> (which we were invited to join) and consequently argued <b>in favour of developing an independent document about the NOF</b>.&nbsp; In light of the unanimous opinion, I feel there is no need to canvas the membership on how to proceed.</p>
<p>In my view our NOF review document could include:<br />
-&nbsp; a scientific peer review of the NOF guidelines (both on the philosophical approach and the specific numbers)<br />
-&nbsp; Comments on MfEs NOF development process, specifically how this process felt for the scientists involved and its implications for future input to policy from freshwater scientists<br />
-&nbsp; Evidence in support of changes to NOF guideline threshold values<br />
-&nbsp; Evidence in support of additional NOF attributes </p>
<p>What do you think of the scope?&nbsp; I suggest that we keep our review focused on the NOF (the most technical aspect of the NPSFM) and not expand it to include other aspects of the NPSFM or Next Steps for Freshwater (we will have an opportunity to put in a submission on the latter).</p>
<p>As for how we work with MfE and LAWF during our review process, below are some relevant thoughts from the comments I got back:</p>
<p>1.&nbsp; - </p><blockquote><p>I think we can be open and frank with MfE and would welcome discussion and input with them, as well as working to improve the NOF and address its deficiencies. ….&nbsp; As an independent body and representing the largest organisational grouping of scientists in FW, I think we should also be requesting that we present to LAWF during the period of their deliberations.
</p></blockquote><p>
2.&nbsp; -&nbsp; </p><blockquote><p>I think it would be better to develop the discussion document and then meet with Ministry officials (potentially the Minister too), LAWF and the NOF reference group to discuss the findings prior to any public release to discuss potential outcomes.&nbsp; We would then have the option of releasing the document publicly following such a meeting.</p></blockquote>
<p>I think we would be best off having discussions with MfE during our writing of a review because MfE is progressing the NOF process and there is a detailed plan for developing future NOF attributes.&nbsp; MfE also has a document discussing the sorts of attributes that it deems to be useful in the NOF (I haven’t seen this).&nbsp; I think it would be very helpful to all if we were able to have a look at those documents while we write our review.&nbsp; If we are aware of MfEs thinking, then I think we will have a better chance of producing something useful.&nbsp; Can you please share any thoughts you have on this?</p>
<p>One other comment that I got back suggest that we stick solely to the science and not try to anticipate political or economic imperatives that the government might bring to bear on the NOF attributes/guidelines:</p>
<p>3.&nbsp; - </p><blockquote><p>I see it as a priority that we provide advice strictly science based, it is not our role to include political or economic reasoning. In my viewpoint the NOF for freshwater should solely be developed through scientific evidence based cause-effect relationships concerning ecosystem health. If the development of the NOF bands gets guided by other than science based reasoning the risk is that short term political/economic ideas or interests bias something that should be of long–term value and independent. For example the bottom line (or any other bands) of an attribute should only be linked to the thresholds when the ecosystem gets severely compromised, and should not shift because it’s unrealistic (at this point in time) to manage for (I have heard the comment several times). In the discussion around freshwater objectives the science merges with economic, social, and community values later, e.g. in stakeholder processes.</p></blockquote>
<p>After much thought, I tend to agree with this.&nbsp; Do any of you have thoughts on this?</p>
<p>So to sum up, <br />
1.&nbsp; Do you agree with the scope as outlined above?<br />
2.&nbsp; Do you agree that we keep talking with MfE during our review process?<br />
3.&nbsp; Do you agree that we stick to science only and leave economic, etc. filters out of our considerations in our review?</p>
<p>Comments by the end of Monday March 21 please.&nbsp; It would be good to start putting teams together to tackle the different sections of our review as soon as possible.&nbsp; If you haven’t already done so, please let us know if you’d be interested in contributing.</p>
<p>Thanks!
</p>2016-03-18T10:24:47+12:00Society review of Ecological Impact Assessment Guidelineshttp://freshwater.science.org.nz/index.php/forums/viewthread/49/
http://freshwater.science.org.nz/index.php/forums/viewthread/49/#When:12:10:59Z<p>Hi Folks,</p>
<p>The NZFSS has been approached by the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ) to review their <i>Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA). EIANZ guidelines for use in New Zealand: terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems </i> guidelines.&nbsp; This document was released approximately two years ago and the EIANZ now wish to revise the guidelines and include input from users and scientific societies with relevant knowledge and experience (see attached letter).</p>
<p>On behalf of the society I will be collating any responses from society members to produce a draft review for the Society.&nbsp; The Society Executive and other senior members will then finalise the review before providing it to EIANZ.&nbsp; With this in mind you are all invited to view the guideline and provide comments for the draft.&nbsp; If your comments can be emailed to me at waterwayscon at gmail dot com by 7 March I will compile the responses.</p>
<p>You can also use this thread to discuss any issues that arise from the guideline document.<br />
The guideline document can be found at: </p><div class="codeblock"><code><span style="color: #000000">
<span style="color: #0000BB">http</span><span style="color: #007700">:</span><span style="color: #FF8000">//freshwater.science.org.nz/pdf/EIANZ_EcIA_Guidelines.pdf&nbsp;</span>
</span>
</code></div>
<p>Regards Rich
</p>2016-02-16T12:10:59+12:00